LHS volleyball takes Maple Lake

Published September 27, 2012 at 7:53 am

The Crusader volleyball team played eight matches last week, emerging 5-3. The team is 12-5 overall and is currently second in the Minnesota River Conference with a 3-0 record. They trail No. 4 (2A) Belle Plaine, who is 5-0 in the MRC, 14-3 overall.
Senior Adriana Ernst serves for the Crusaders in their Sept. 13 win over NYA Central.

Mayer 3, Maple Lake 0
At Maple Lake on Sept. 18, Mayer Lutheran won all three sets: 25-13, 25-16, and 25-21. Head coach Joelle Grimsley said it was a great game by the Crusaders, who worked hard to run an effective offense at a quick pace. Maple Lake’s scrappy defense forced the Crusaders to work all their hitters, but a good Mayer Lutheran focus allowed for the win.

Serving was 62-71 with nine aces. There were 39 kills in 87 attempts, as well as 24 digs, 37 set assists, and three blocks. Junior Rachel Schmidt led the Crusader offense for the night, with five digs, 14 kills, and seven aces, while serving 20-21. Other strong kill leaders included senior Nico Schmidt (9), senior Kristen Mielke (7), sophomore Maria Kuntz (6), and senior Ashlyn Hucky (2). Kuntz had one block and was 8-8 serving. Senior Emma Christopherson served 6-6 with one ace. Hucky had 35 set assists, while Nico Schmidt was 9-11 serving with five digs. Mielke was also credited with a block.

Mayer 3, LeSueur 1
It took four sets to defeat LeSueur-Henderson on Sept. 20, but the Crusaders took down the No. 6 (2A) Giants 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, and 25-23. Grimsley said the gym was full of energy against the Giants, and both teams came ready to play.

Class A showcaseCompeting in the Class A showcase in Burnsville on Sept. 21-22, the Crusaders finishing 3-3 at the tournament, good enough for fifth place. They defeated Upsala, Nevis, and Win-E-Mac, while also losing a match to Win-E-Mac, Lake of the Woods, and Southwest Christian.